25/09/2023
๐ THE FIRST RESUME: Uncovering the Origins of the Resume ๐
Did you know that the concept of the resume dates back to the Renaissance era? Leonardo da Vinci, the brilliant inventor of his time, is often credited with penning the first resume. While the evidence is a bit fuzzy, in 1482, he wrote a letter to the Duke of Milan seeking employment, detailing his accomplishments in developing instruments of war.
Fast forward to the 20th century, and the resume as we know it today began to take shape. Before that, resumes weren't separate documents; they were included in job-application letters as lists of skills and achievements. By the 1920s, standalone resumes became common, known as "data sheets" or "personal profiles," featuring sections for education, experience, skills, and references.
The term "resume" (or "rรฉsumรฉ" for those who like to add a touch of elegance) has been used in English since the 18th century to describe a summary of past events. However, it wasn't until 1926, in a Lincoln, Nebraska newspaper ad, that it was first used to describe a personal profile in a job application context.
Historically, resumes were straightforward documents devoid of personality, reserved for conveying factual information. The human touch was secondary, as they were treated more like bills of lading or lists of ingredients. But as resumes evolved into marketing tools for candidates, they took on an impersonal tone, with writers referring to themselves in the third person and using subjectless sentences, like "Maintain power control packages."
This peculiar syntax serves to reinforce the power dynamics between job seekers and employers. It's like an initial gesture of subservience, akin to a dog presenting its neck, as noted by Lester Faigley, an emeritus professor of rhetoric and writing.
Understanding the historical journey of the resume sheds light on the intricacies of this vital document, which has transformed from a mere list of facts to a powerful tool for shaping career narratives.
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